Rovell: Sportsbooks Winning Big on NBA Title & Finals MVP Futures

Rovell: Sportsbooks Winning Big on NBA Title & Finals MVP Futures article feature image
Credit:

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Kevin Durant.

Jason Scott, the vice president of trading for BetMGM, likes what he sees when he looks at his NBA futures book.

More than 80% of the money that was bet on teams to win the title has gone bust. The top five most-bet teams — the Nets, Lakers, Nuggets, 76ers and Jazz — have all been eliminated before the conference finals.

“We’re a small loser on the Hawks alone, but the books as a whole is in terrific shape on NBA futures,” Scott said Monday afternoon.

It’s the same story almost anywhere you go.

Playoff Promos: $200 if D-Book scores, more!

Bet $20, Win $200 if Devin Booker scores a point!

Bet $20, Win $100 if your team hits a 3!

And more …

Johnny Avello, head of DraftKings sportsbook, said roughly 78% of the money on teams to win the title has lost, with the Milwaukee Bucks on their own being a small loser.

“We were due,” Scott said. “We’ve gotten hammered recently with the favorites winning. The Dodgers hit. The Lakers hit. The Chiefs hit. I actually think people were playing the favorites more to win the title because it seemed easier.”

BetMGM’s MVP Finals futures book is also looking stellar.

That’s because 44.1% of the money was on three Brooklyn Nets — Kevin Durant (29.6%), James Harden (11.5%) and Kyrie Irving (3%).

The 76ers and the Nuggets being eliminated took out another 11.2%, with Joel Embiid (7.1%) and Nikola Jokic (4.1%) taking up a relatively large share.

A sportsbook having more than 50% of the money in-hand before a conference final is rare.

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.

Sportsbook Promos
See All
Legal Online Sports Betting

ESPN BET North Carolina Promo Code ACTNEWSNC: Get $225 in NC, $150 in Other States; 200% Match in All 18 States

Rick Rockwell
Mar 27, 2024 UTC